by Jon Kiln
They decided to make camp here. It was close to the tunnels and they wanted to be nearby for when the rest of the human armies came out. Arriba made a makeshift den for the human Queen and Duchess, and they laid down in the shade. The pure luxury of fresh air to breath was intoxicating. They lay on their capes, in Arriba’s den, and soaked up the feeling of being once again free and out in the open.
They didn’t have long to wait before the invading forces started to emerge from the tunnel. Linz led his own tribe, the lake people, with Hendon by his side. Lord Parsival led the Kingdom army with Qutaybah and his men just behind. Soon tents were erected and fires burned, as the forces settled down for the night, preparing for the long journey home across the Saraba desert.
“My dear,” the Duchess asked of Arriba, “will you go to Qutaybah and lead him to me? I would go myself but I fear my legs would not carry me.”
“Of course, Duchess, I will help you in any way I can,” Arriba replied, honestly. “You must rest and I will bring him to you.”
Arriba set off through the camp in search. The camps had a large number of wounded soldiers, clearly the battle had been a bloody one. She wondered how many of her own had survived. The human soldiers gave her a cold stare as she made her way through, especially the lakelanders, some of whom jeered and spat at her as she passed them by. She was beginning to fear for her safety when Ganry was suddenly by her side, taking her by the arm.
“It’s not safe for you here, Arriba. Not everyone knows that you have helped the Queen and Duchess escape.”
“I am on an errand for the Duchess. She wishes for Qutaybah to call on her,” she nervously explained.
“Let me escort you then,” he suggested, and she was quietly relieved.
Soon they were in the right camp and speaking to Qutaybah. He returned immediately with Arriba.
As they entered the shelter where the Duchess was resting, she started to rise.
“No, no, Duchess,” Qutaybah said, rushing to her side and sitting down next to her in the shaded sands. “You have been through too much already,” he said, taking her delicate hands into his large, strong ones. “We have many camels, and you will ride in comfort from hereon. It’s important that you recover to be the strong woman I know.”
“Oh, you flatter me, desert man,” she laughed back at him, a clear fondness in her face.
Qutaybah stayed a while to chat with the Duchess. They had much to talk about and their discussion went on long into the night.
“Rest now, my Lady,” Qutaybah finally said. “Tomorrow we travel across the desert, and you will need all your strength for that.”
Qutaybah left the Duchess to rest and began organizing the caravan for tomorrow’s trek across the Saraba. Keen to get home and sleep in a real bed, he was getting too old for these adventures, he told himself.
***
Arriba slept little that night. She sat by the camp fire and watched the lakelanders with a seething hatred in her heart. She especially watched every move that Linz made.
She had not realized whilst he was imprisoned in the rooms that he was a lakelander, and the leader no less. She knew it was these people who had killed many female Akkedis and children. They were all murdered in cold blood while they cowered in fear.
She realized now that the lakemen were the true monsters. A blood price must be paid, and vengeance exacted. She would do this final task for her people. The lakeland leader still lived. But he would not for long. She closed her eyes and planned to mete out justice.
54
With the underground city secured enough for the Suggizon to begin their work, it was time for the humans to leave. Those Akkedis who had survived were given a choice, either banishment in the far reaches of the desert, or slavery. Most chose the desert, but some remained to be servants of the Suggizon.
Arriba had agreed to join the Duchess’s party. She would go to the Kingdom and live her life in a human castle, serving the royal family. Myriam was a little reluctant, though Arriba had more than proven her worth. She was an Akkedis and surely would still have loyalties to that race, but her grandmother had become fond of her. With Duchess D’Anjue still weakened, Myriam had relented and hoped that Arriba could be happy away from her own people.
The caravan set off in the late hours of the afternoon when the sun was going down. Qutaybah was in in the lead, followed by the lakemen and Chief Linz, and then the Kingdom soldiers with their Queen and Duchess. It had grown in size as they had all joined together. There would be plenty of stop off points to gain more supplies, so Qutaybah did not worry over small details.
Myriam was pleased to learn from Ganry that the Suggizon, and Perseus, would remain in the employ of Qutaybah. He had been offered freedom to help his people and stay with his brother to build up their new city, but he declined. His heart was with his master, Qutaybah, who had done much for him and his race. He promised his brother he would visit frequently, if only to keep an eye on him.
The journey progressed well, the sun was setting and the night ushered in a welcome coolness. Myriam could see little through the curtained window of her small box that perched between the humps of a camel. She thought it a strange contraption and would have preferred to have traveled by simply riding a saddle, the way she had journeyed here.
Qutaybah had insisted on the Queen and Duchess traveling in some comfort. He told them it befitted their status. Myriam had to agree that these travel arrangements would suit her grandmother as she was still too weak to travel by saddle.
They stopped as the sun began to rise and cast its yellow glow over the desert sands. It was the oasis that Barnaby had mentioned, the one with the coconut tree. It seemed to have an abundance of fruit and the whole party enjoyed the milk and sweet flesh. As Myriam wandered around, she came across Hendon. He had dug a little hole close to the coconut tree and was putting something in the ground.
Hendon, hearing her approach, turned to greet her.
“I awoke this morning with a small pouch on my pillow, and lo and behold, inside were these seeds,” he smiled, remembering his discovery. “Barnaby’s doing, of that I am certain. So here I am planting a seed by this tree, so one day, it will have a companion, just as Barnaby wished. It is my intention to plant seeds, two at a time so they don’t get lonely, at every oasis we stop at on our journey.”
“You’ll be glad to be back in your forest, instead of these dry lands, won’t you?” she asked, knowing the answer without hearing it. Hendon only smiled his agreement. Myriam continued, “I too will be glad to leave these lands and return to the castle. I miss my home and I’ve not had chance to settle in since I lost my mother and father. I still haven’t officially mourned their passing, so I intend on setting aside some time for the city to mourn them too.”
“Time goes by quickly,” another voice chimed, as Chief Linz approached his dear friends. “We passed those rocks not so far back where we were attacked by the sand worms, and I lost my mentor, Wyatt. I too intend on taking time for mourning. He was a good, brave man.”
“That he was, Linz,” Myriam agreed. “We have had no time to reflect on our losses. It seems we staggered from one disaster to another. Now, hopefully, we can grow old in peace.”
“I’m glad to see the Duchess so happy,” Ganry said as he joined their conversation. “She is growing stronger every day.”
Myriam smiled at Ganry as he approached the small group.
“What are you all doing among these trees?” Ganry asked. “The night draws in fast, you don’t need to be in the shade.”
“We’re watching the growth of the magic coconut tree,” Hendon replied.
“Ah, now there you go again,” Ganry gestured with his arms in the air. “You heard Barnaby, he said there is no real magic, it’s all in your head… or whatever it was he said.”
“I don’t believe that to be true, Ganry,” Myriam said. “Otherwise how can Hendon talk to the animals, that is magic if ever I saw it?”
“Perhaps,” was
all Ganry would commit to.
“Dinner is served,” Arriba called over to them.
“Wonderful, I’m starving,” Linz replied. “I’m a growing young man and I have a lot of meat to put back on my bones,” he said, as they all laughed heartily at him.
There was a happy and relaxed atmosphere at dinner. Qutaybah and the Duchess joined them, providing the refreshment of a keg of ale.
Arriba served the meals to each and every one of them, paying particular attention to Linz’s dish.
Champion
1
Artas and Ganry rode horseback to Fort Wallbour. Overnight they would stop out in the open air and camp on the edges of the forest. This part of the kingdom was at peace at the moment, totally unaware that a war may break out on the borders.
The first night was comfortable enough. A cooking fire by the side of a small stream provided all their needs. Artas caught a rabbit with his bow, and while it cooked on the spit over the fire, Ganry began Artas’s training.
The young nobleman was already an expert with a bow, but he needed to strengthen his sword skills to be a better all round warrior. They sparred together for a few hours, with Ganry trying to hone Artas’s sword craft. Balance was crucial in sword fighting, and here Artas had a distinct disadvantage. His leg was still not fully recovered from his escapade with the dragon, and he walked with a distinct limp.
It was Ganry’s hope that one day Artas would be the one who protected their Queen. Having been a life long friend of Myriam, Artas was in a similar position to her, having also lost his parents. They had been beheaded for showing support to Myriam during the previous coup. This had brought Artas and Myriam closer together, a bond that was still strong.
The night went by without any incident, but even though they were still in the Kingdom of Palara, Ganry insisted on setting a watch. He was a seasoned warrior and always assumed prudence. Just because they were still in their homeland did not mean they were safe.
Ganry set a morning routine for the both of them so they would stay physically fit. Artas struggled with the running, but he said nothing, hoping it would strengthen his weakened leg.
They set off after breakfast and training, and soon arrived at Fort Wallbour. They met with General Royston, delivering to him the sealed message from Queen Myriam to march half his troops to the borders of Mirnee. He was somewhat taken by surprise as the rumors had not hit this part of the world yet.
They stayed and enjoyed the home comforts of the fort for one night. Ganry knew the sea crossing would be rough. He wanted one last day on dry land so he could sleep in a proper bed and eat good food. Queen Myriam ensured her soldiers were well fed and provided for. Still, Ganry did not let the comforts interrupt their exercise regime and he proved a hard taskmaster, but Artas never complained.
The next day found them riding down to the port town of Brammanville where Ganry would search out Admiral Bingham to deliver his other message. This proved more difficult than expected as it appeared he had not been seen for a number of days, and no one seemed to know of his whereabouts. He had left in one of the smaller vessels with a small crew to intercept a boat that had no authority to stray close to the Kingdom’s harbor.
If fishing boats from other countries came too close to shore to fish, they would be intercepted by the navy and guided out of Palaran territorial waters. It was unusual for fishing vessels to approach another’s harbors for they knew they would be questioned and possibly lose their catch. Generally, most fishing boats stayed out at sea and only went near their own ports.
It was a mystery, but not one that would delay Ganry’s journey. He could not concern himself with every problem he came across. After speaking with the acting Admiral, he left the Queen’s orders that instructed them to ready their ships for battle. Acting Admiral Patterson also informed Ganry that a search party was out looking for Admiral Bingham. It was probably bad weather out at sea that had caused delays. Ganry advised that the acting admiral send a messenger to Castle Villeroy if Bingham was not found. The Queen should be informed of the missing commander.
Passage on a trade ship had been booked for the two travelers and they were soon settling into their shared bunks in a small cabin. Neither of them liked to travel by sea, but it was the quickest way to Aelland, the capital city of Mirnee.
Once on their way, the journey proved to be tedious and boring, but Ganry kept up Artas’s training whenever the sea was calm enough for them to practice on the deck. The journey had so far been uneventful, but on the second day there was much excitement. Artas went to investigate all the noise.
“It seems they have come across Admiral Bingham’s boat,” Artas informed Ganry on his return. “Apparently it was very much off course to where it should be. Our Captain has boarded it to see if all is well. We should soon be back on course if there proves to be a simple answer to the mystery.”
Within an hour, the ship’s sails were hoisted and they were moving on again.
That evening Ganry spoke with the Captain at the dining table.
“He was not himself, no he was not,” the Captain told him. “Acted very strange, if you ask me. But it’s not my place to be telling an Admiral what to be doin’.”
“Why, what was he doing?” Ganry asked, becoming interested with this mystery. Admiral Bingham was one of Myriam’s trusted commanders. If he was acting out of character then it was a concern for the Kingdom.
“Well, I’d say he’s a fair man is the Admiral. Knows his business, always keeps calm but in control. Never one for shouting or looking flustered. Yet, he seemed kinda lost. He knows these seas like the back of ‘is ‘ands, he does, yet he asked for directions back to port. Bit odd if ya ask me. The crew seemed just as confused too,” the Captain finished, wiping his greasy hands on a napkin as he ate his fish supper.
“Maybe he had a knock on the head?” Ganry suggested.
“Nah, he was strange all round,” the Captain continued the tale. “When I asks about the fishing boat, he tells me to mind my own damn business and get back on course for wherever it is I’m off to. Said not to stand in the way of an Admiral. Never spoken like that to me afore. He’s generally a jolly fellow, not a wild one.”
“Appen he had a bad bit o’ rum ration,” another of the crew said, which lightened the mood and brought laughter to the room.
Ganry smiled, but glancing at Artas he could see concern etched on his features as well, showing the same concern that he felt himself.
Something was not right.
2
The Admiral’s boat arrived back at port Brammanville the very next day. It was with some relief that his second in command, Commander Patterson, watched the Admiral disembark, but he could see that there was something wrong. Never before had he seen such a storm pasted on his leader’s face.
The Admiral was a tall man, lanky but strong. He sported a short grey beard and neat mustache. He usually was an agreeable fellow, but today was unusually curt and abrupt.
“Patterson, I want to speak with you. We have much to do, follow me,” he demanded of his second in command as he marched off toward the port buildings.
Patterson followed immediately, using the opportunity to pass to the Admiral the Queen’s instructions that had been left by her emissaries. He was surprised when the Admiral made no attempt to open the orders immediately, instead placing them in the inside pocket of his uniform.
They arrived at a large wooden building that housed the naval headquarters and Patterson followed his leader straight into the operations room.
“I have orders that I want actioned immediately,” Admiral Bingham said, as soon as the door was closed behind them. “I command that every ship in this harbor is to set sail. We are to plot a Northern course and sail for two days. We will then weigh anchor and await further instructions.”
“What?” Patterson questioned the rationale behind such an order. “Sir, this is madness, surely you don’t mean every ship in the fleet? We cannot leave the dock unprote
cted, sir, I don’t understand.”
“It is not for you to understand my tactics, Patterson. It is for you to carry out my instructions.”
“Please Admiral, you must read the sealed orders from our Queen before you commit every naval vessel away from this port,” Patterson spluttered, totally confused at the behavior of his superior.
“Either you carry out my orders immediately, Patterson, or I’ll have you in chains. Which do you chose?”
Patterson looked at his Admiral, who was red in the face with anger and he did not doubt that he would have him locked up for insubordination. He was a changed man. Something must have happened to him while he had been out to sea for him to act so strangely upon his return.
The Admiral pulled out the sealed orders from the Queen. It seemed almost as a concession to his second in command. He ripped open the envelope, barely glancing at the message before screwing the paper up into his fist.
“This is exactly why we have to move the naval forces out of this port.”
“Surely the Queen wishes a small contingency to stay and protect the port, sir? Two days sailing is not ensuring the safety of the people of Port Brammanville,” Patterson argued.
“I will not stand for this insubordination for much longer, man. Give out my orders, now, Patterson, or I will find someone who will and you will spend the journey in the brig.”
This was a difficult situation for Patterson. He clearly believed the Admiral’s orders were at odds with what he understood from Queen Myriam’s emissaries. He could refuse, and be locked away, or he could play along and maybe become privy to the Admiral’s thoughts. It would be better to be by the Admiral’s side in order to determine exactly what was happening.
Patterson saluted the Admiral before leaving him alone in the operations room to relay his orders to the captains of the ships. He looked back at him, just before he closed the door, and felt that the Admiral was struggling with something personal. He seemed very troubled and was mumbling quietly, too quiet for him to hear his words. The Admiral’s orders were for the smaller ships to sail immediately on the evening tide, not even stocking up before leaving. The other captains looked at him incredulously, as if he had gone mad when he passed on the Admiral’s orders, but all obeyed.